Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4
The city of God will be established as part of the new heaven and earth combined together. The sea that separates is gone. The church is in the city as the bride of the Savior. Never to be found again are tears, death, pain. I love how John says the old order of things has passed away. Once there, I doubt we will even remember the former things. How is all this possible.
Can I conceive of such a place and state of being? Is it real? Would I want to be part of it? Yes, yes, and yes.
God, there are days when I long for the new order of things. I love my life here and now. But, its woefully inadequate in comparison. On even a great day like today, I find sorrow in people, tears, death, and pain. Would You, O Lord, by the power of Your Spirit minister to my friends who are experiencing great loss today? Oh God, use me to reach out and show the great love You have.
